Medications

Lamivudine, 3TC; Zidovudine, ZDV tablets

What is this medicine?

LAMIVUDINE; ZIDOVUDINE (la MI vyoo deen; zye DOE vyoo deen) is two antiretroviral medicines in one tablet. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if this medicine should be taken with or without food. Sometimes you must take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children weighing at least 30 kg (66 pounds) for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

breathing difficulties

depression

fever, chills, or sore throat

muscle aches, pains, weakness

pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

seizures

unusual bruising or bleeding

unusually weak or tired

weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

cough

diarrhea

difficulty sleeping

dizziness

headache

loss of appetite

nausea, vomiting

runny, stuffy nose

stomach pain, upset

What may interact with this medicine?

atovaquone

doxorubicin

fluconazole

ganciclovir

interferon

methadone

nelfinavir

probenecid

ribavirin

ritonavir

stavudine

sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim, SMX-TMP

trimethoprim

valproic acid

zalcitabine, ddC

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

This medicine can cause blood problems. You may have slow healing and a higher risk of infection while on this medicine. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Be careful not to damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.